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EEADIISTG OISI THE EAIL 

No I 



CHAMPE'S ADVENTUKB 



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EEADIJ^G OK THE EAIL 



CHAMPE'S ADYENTUPiE 



BY / 



GENERAL HENRY LEE 



NEW-YORK 

OFiriCE OF a?HE IlEBELLIOI^ RECORD 

1864 




Entered, accordiag to Act of Congress, in the year 1864, by 

FRANK MOORE, 

la the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern 

District of New- York. 



i? . ^oy" 



^1A-" •■•. : 



CHAMPE'S ADVENTURE. 



THE treason of Benedict Arnold, tlie cap- 
ture of Major Andre, and tlie intelligence 
received by General Washington tLrongli his 
confidential agents in New- York, tliat many 
of his officers, and especially a major-general, 
were connected with Arnold, engrossed his 
mind entirely, and excited the most unpleas- 
ant reflections. The moment he reached the 
army, then under the command of Major- 
General Greene, encamped in the vicinity of 
Tappan, he sent for Major Henry Lee,* 
posted with the light troops some distance 
in front. This officer repaired to headquar- 
ters with celerity, and found the General 
in his marquee alone, busily engaged in 

* The author of this paper held the rank of major, and was 
serving under General Washington, on the Hudson River, at the 
time of the capture of Andre in 1780.. — Ed. 



6 champe's adventure. 

writino;. As soon as Lee entered, lie was 
requested to take a seat, and a bundle of 
papers, lying on the table was given to him 
for perusal. In these much information was 
detailed, tending to prove that Arnold was 
not alone in the base conspiracy just detect- 
ed, but that the poison had spread ; and 
that a major-general, whose name was not 
concealed, was certainly as guilty as Arnold 
himself This officer had enjoyed, without 
interruption, the confidence of the Command- 
er-in-Chief throughout the war ; nor did there 
exist a single reason in support of the accu- 
sation. It altogether rested ujDon the intel- 
ligence derived from the papers before him. 
Major Lee, personally acquainted with the 
accused, could not refi'ain from suggesting 
the probability, that the whole was a con- 
trivance of Sir Henry CJinton, in order to 
destroy that confidence between the com- 
mander and his officers on which the suc- 
cess of military operations depends. This sug- 
gestion, Washington replied, was plausible, 
and deserved due consideration. It had early 
occurred to his own mind, and had not been 



champe's adventure. 7 

slightly regarded ; but Lis reflections settled 
in a conclusion not to be sliaken ; as tlie 
same suggestion applied to no officer more 
forcibly thaii a few days ago it would have 
done to General Arnold, known now to be 
a traitor. 

Announcing this result of his meditations 
with the tone and countenance of a mind 
deeply agitated, and resolved upon its course, 
Lee continuing silent, the General proceeded : 
" I have sent for you, in the expectation that 
you have in your corps individuals capable 
and willing to undertake an indispensable, 
delicate, ' and hazardous project. Whoever 
comes forward upon this occasion will lay 
me under great obligations personally, and 
in behalf of the United States I will reward 
him amply. No time is to be lost : he must 
proceed, if possible, this night. My object is 
to probe to the bottom the afflicting intelli- 
gence contained in the papers you have 
just read ; to seize Arnold, and by getting 
him to save Andre. They are all connected. 
While my emissary is engaged in preparing 
means for the seizure of Arnold, the guilt 



8 champe's adventure. . I 

of otliers can be traced ; and tlie timely de- \ 
livery of Arnold to me, will possibly put it I 
into my power to restore the amiable and 
unfortunate Andre to his friends. My in- 
structions are ready, in which you will find j 
my express orders that Arnold is not to be .) 
hurt; but that he be permitted to escape if ,i 
to be prevented only by killing him, as his ] 
public punishment is the sole object in view. '> 
This you cannot too forcibly press upon whom- \ 
soever may engage in the enterprise ; and 
this fail not to do. With my instructions ; 
are two letters, to be « delivered as ordered, ] 
and here are some guineas for expenses." . \ 

Major Lee replying, said, that he had little ! 
or no doubt but that his legion contained \ 
many individuals daring enough for any op- 
eration, however perilous ; but that the one i 
in view required a combination of qualities j 
not easily to be found unless in a commis- ; 
sioned officer, to whom he could not venture j 
to propose an enterprise, the first step to j 
which was desertion. That though the ser- 
geant-major of the cavalry was in all respects i 
qualified for the delicate and adventurous ; 

•I 



champe's adventure. 9 

project, and to hiin it miglit be proposed 
without indelicacy, as Lis station did not in- 
terpose the obstacle before stated ; yet it was 
very probable that the same difficulty would 
occur in his breast, to remove which would 
not be easy, if practicable. 

Washington was highly pleased at finding 
tliat a non-commissioned officer was deemed 
capable of executing his views ; as he had 
felt extreme difficulty in authorizing an invi- 
tation to officers, who generally are, and al- 
ways ought to be, scrupulous and nice in 
adhering to the course of honor. He- asked 
the name, the country, the age, the size, 
length of service, and character of the ser- 
geant ^ /^.^ ^i^ 

Being told his name — that he was a iiative 
of --Jjondon "County in Virginia ; about twenty- 
three or twenty-four years of age — that he 
had enlisted in 1776 — rather above the com- 
mon size — ^fuU of bone and muscle ; with a 
saturnine countenance, grave, thoughtful, and 
taciturn — of tried courage and inflexible ]Der- 
severance, and as likely to reject an overture 
coupled with ignominy as any officer in the 



10. ' champe's adventure. . ; 

cori^s — a commission being tlie goal of Ms j 

long and anxious exertions, and certain on j 

tlie first vacancy — tlie General exclaimed, that i 

he was the very man for the business ; that '• 

he must undertake it; and that going to the i 

enemy by the instigation and at the request | 

of his officer, was hot desertion, although it i 

appeared to be so. And he enjoined that ' 

this explanation, as coming from him, should ; 
be pressed on Chamj^e ; and that the vast 
good in prospect should be contrasted witll 

the mere semblance of doing wrong, which he | 

presumed could not fail to conquer every ! 

scruple. Major Lee assured the General, that j 

every exertion would be essayed on his part ; 

to execute his wishes ; and taking leave, re- : 
turned to the camp of the light corps, which 

he reached about eight o'clock at night. ; 

Sending instantly for the sergeant-major, lie i 

introduced the business in the way best cal- ■ 

culated, as he thought, to produce his con- ; 

currence ; and dilated largely on the very i 

great obligations he would confer on the Com- \ 
mander-in- Chief, whose unchanging and active 
beneficence to the troops had justly drawn 



champe's ADVENTUEE. ' 11 

to liim tlieir affection, wliicli would be mere- 
ly nominal, if, when an opportunity should 
offer to any individual of contributing to the 
promotion of his views, that opportunity was 
not zealously embraced. That the • one now 
presented to him had never before occurred, 
and in all probability never would occur again, 
even should the war continue for ages ; it 
being most rare for three distinct conse- 
cjuences, all of primary Aveight, to be com- 
prised within a single operation, and that 
operation necessarily to be entrusted to one 
man, who would want but one or two asso- 
ciates in the active part of its execution. That 
the chance of detection became extremely nar- 
row, and consequently that of success en- 
larged. That by succeeding in the safe 
delivery of Arnold, he not only gratified 
his General in the most accej)table manner, 
but he would be hailed as the avenger of 
the reputation of the army, stained by foi^l 
and wicked perfidy ; and what could not but 
be highly pleasing, he would be the instru- 
ment of saving the life of Major Andre, soon 
to be brought before a court of inquiry, the 



12 champe's adveiCtuee. ' 

decision of wlilcli could not be doubted, from 
the universally known circumstances of the 
case, and had .been anticipated in the General's 
instructions. That, by investigating v^ith dili- 
gence and accuracy the intelligence communi- 
cated to him, he would bring to light new 
guilt, or he would relieve innocence (as was 
most probable) from distrust ; quieting the 
torturing suspicions which now harrowed the 
mind of Washington, and restoring again to 
his confidence a once honored general, pos- 
sessing it at present only ostensibly, as well 
as hush doubts affecting many of his brother 
soldiers. 

In short, the accomplishment of so much 
good was in itself too attractive to be renounc- 
ed by a generous mind ; and when connected 
with the recollection of the hio-h honor which 
the selection shed upon him, as a soldier 
•he ought not — ^he must not pause. This dis- 
course was followed by a detail of the plan, 
with a wish that he would enter upon its 
execution, instantly. Champe listened with 
deep attention, and with a highly excited 
countenance ; the perturbations of his breast 



champe's adventure. 13 

not being hid even by liis dark visage. He 
briefly and modestly replied, , tliat no soldier 
exceeded Mm in respect, and affection for tlie 
Commander-in-Cliief, to serve wliom lie would 
Mallingly lay down his life ; and that he was 
sensible of the honor conferred by the choice 
of him for the execution of a project all over 
arduous ; nor could he be at a loss to know 
to whom was* to be ascribed the preference 
bestowed, which he took pleasure in acknow- 
ledging, although increasing obligations before 
great and many. 

That he was charmed with the plan. Even 
its partial success would lead to great good; 
as it would give peace to the General's mind, 
and do justice, as he hoped, to innocence. Full 
success, added powerful and delicious j^er- 
sonal excitements, as well as the gratification 
of the General and army. He was not, he 
said, deterred by the danger and difficulty 
which wa^ evidently to be encountered, but 
he was deterred ty the ignominy of desertion, 
to be followed by the hypocrisy of enlist- 
ing with the enemy ; neither of which com- 
ported with his feelings, ^and either placed 



14 champe's adventuee. 

an insuj)erab]e "bar in Ids way to promo^ 
tion. 

He concluded by observing, tliat if any 
mode could be contrived free from disgrace, 
he would cordially embark in tlie enterprise. 
As it was, he prayed to be excused ; and hoped 
that services, always the best in his power 
to perform, faithfully performed, entitled his 
prayer to -success. The objections at first ap- 
prehended now to be combated, were extend- 
ed to a consequence which had not suggested 
itself Lee candidly admitted that he had 
expected the first objection made, and that . 
only ; which had been imparted to the Gen- 
eral, who gave to it full consideration, and con- 
cluded by declaring that the crime of deser- 
tion was not incurred ; as no act done by the 
soldier at the request of the Commander-in- 
Chief could be considered as desertion ; and 
that an action so manifestly jDraiseworthy as 
that to be i3erformed, when known, would 
dissipate by its own force the reflections ex- 
cited by appearances, leaving the actor in the 
full enjoyment of the rich rewards of his 
virtue. That the reflecting mind ought not 



champe's adventure. 15 

to balance between the achievement, of so 
much good and the doing wrong in semblance 
only ; to which Major Lee subjoined, that he 
had considered himself and corps highly 
honored by the General's call npon him for 
a soldier capable and willing to execute a 
project so tempting to the brave ; and that 
he shoulxl feel llimself reduced to a mortify- 
ino; condition, if the resistance to the under- 
taking compelled him to inform the General 
that he must recur to some other corps to pro- 
vide an agent to execute this bold and im- 
portant enterprise. 

He entreated the Sergeant to ask himself 
what must be the reflections of his comrades, 
if a soldier from some other corps should 
execute the attempt, when they should be 
told that the glory transferred to the regi- 
ment of which he was one might have been 
enjoyed by the legion, had not Sergeant 
Champe shrunk from the overture made to 
him by his General, rather than reject scruples 
too narrov/ and confined to be permitted to 
interfere with grand and virtuous deeds. The 
es2)rit du coiys could not be resisted ; united 



16 CHAMPiil's ADVENTUEE. 

to Ms inclination, it subdued his prejudices, 
and lie declared liis willingness to conform 
to the wishes of the General ; relying, as he 
confidently did, that his reputation would be 
protected by those who had induced him to 
undertake the enterprise, should he be unfor- 
tunate. 

The instructions were read to him, and each 
distinct object presented plainly to his view, 
of which he took notes so disguised as to be 
understood only by himself. He was par- 
ticularly cautioned to use the utmost circum- 
spection in delivering his letters, and to take 
care to withhold from the two individuals, 
addressed under feigned names, knowledge of 
each other ; for although both had long been 
in the confidence of the General, yet it was not 
known by either that the other was so engaged. 

He was further urged to bear in constant 
recollection the solemn injunction so pointedly 
expressed in the instructions to Major Lee, 
of forbearing to kill Arnold in any condition 
of things. 

This part of the business being finished, 
their deliberation was turned to the manner 



champe's adventure. 17 

of 01iam]3e's desertion ; for it was well known 
to them botli that to pass the numerous 
patrols of horse and foot crossing from the 
stationary guards, was itself difficult, whicli 
was now rendered more so by parties throwu 
occasionally beyond the place called Liberty 
Pole, as well as by swarms of irregulars, in- 
dtuced sometimes to venture down to the very 
point at Paulus Hook with the hope of pick- 
ing up booty. Evidently discernible as were 
the difficulties in the way, no relief could be 
administered by Major Lee, lest it might in- 
duce a belief that he was privy to the -deser- 
tion, which opinion getting to the enemy 
would involve the life of Champe. The Ser- 
geant was left to his own resources and to his 
own management, with the declared deter- 
mination, that in case his departure should 
be discovered before morning, Lee would take 
care to delay pursuit as long as practicable. 

Giving to the Sergeant three guineas, and 
presenting his best wishes, he recommended 
him to start without delay, and enjoined him 
to communicate his arrival in New- York as 
soon as he could. Champe pulling out his 



18 champe's adventure. 

watcli, compared it witli the Major's, remind- 
ing tlie latter of tlie importance of holding 
back pursuit, wliich lie was convinced ^vould 
take place in the course of the night, and 
which might be fatal, as he knew that he 
should be obliged to zig-zag in order to avoid 
the patrols, which would consume time. It 
was now nearly eleven. The Sergeant return- 
ed to camp, and taking his cloak, valise, and 
orderly book, he drew his horse from the 
picket, and mounting him, put himself upon 
fortune. Lee, charmed with his expeditious 
consummation of the first part of the enter- 
prise, retired to rest. Useless attempt ! the 
past scene could not be obliterated ; and, in- 
deed, had that been practicable, the inter- 
ruption which ensued would have stopped 
repose. 

Within half an hour Captain Carnes, officer 
of the day, waited upon the Major, and with 
considerable emotion told him that one of 
the patrol had Mien in with a dragoon, who, 
being challenged, put spur to his horse and 
escaped, though instantly pursued. Lee com- 
plaining of the interruj)tion, and pretending 



champe's adventuee. 19 

to be extremely fatigued by liis ride to and 
from headquarters, answered as if lie did 
not understand what had been said, which 
compelled the Captain to repeat it. '' Who 
can the fellow that was pursued be ?" inquired 
the Major ; adding, a " countryman, probably." 
" No," replied the Captain, " the patrol sufficient- 
ly distinguished him to know that he was a 
dragoon ; probably one from the army, if not 
certainly one of our own." This idea was 
ridiculed from its improbability, as during 
the whole war but a single dragoon had de- 
serted from the legion. This did not convince 
Carnes, so much stress was it now the fashion 
to lay on the desertion of Arnold, and the 
probable effect of his example. The Captain 
withdrew to examine the squadron of horse, 
whom he had ordered to assemble in pursu- 
ance of established usage on similar occasions. 
Very quickly he returned, stating that the 
scoundrel was known, and was no less a per- 
son than the Sergeant-Major, who had gone 
off with his horse, baggage, arms, and orderly 
book — so presumed, as neither the one nor 
the other could be found. Sensibly affected 



20 champe's adventuke. 

at tlie supposed baseness of a soldier extreme- 
ly respected, the Captain added tliat he had 
ordered a party to make ready for pursuit, 
and begged the Major's written orders. 

Occasionally this discourse was interrupted 
and every idea suggested which the excellent 
character of the Sergeant warranted, to induce 
the suspicion that he had not deserted, but 
had taken the liberty to leave camp with a 
view to personal pleasure — an example, said 
Lee, too often set by the officers themselves, 
destructive as it was of discipline, opposed as 
it was to orders, and disastrous as it might 
prove to the corps in the course of service. 

Some little delay was thus interj)osed ; but 
it being now announced that^ the pursuing 
party was ready, Major Lee directed a change 
in the officer, saying that he had a particular 
service in view, which he had determined to 
entrust to the lieutenant ready for duty, and 
which prol)ably must be performed in tlie 
morning. He therefore directed him to sum- 
mon Cornet Middleton for the present com- 
mand. Lee was induced thus to act, first to 
add to the delay, and next from his knowledge 



champe's adventure. 21 

of tlie tenderness of Midclleton's disposition, 
wliicli lie lioj)ed would lead to tlie pro- 
tection of Chanipe, slionld lie be taken. 
Witliin ten minutes Middleton appeared to 
receive Ms orders, wliicli wer^ delivered to 
liim made out in tlie customary form, and 
signed by tlie Major. " Pursue as far as you 
can witli safety Sergeant Champe, wlio is sus- 
pected of deserting to tlie enemy, and lias 
taken tlie road leading to Paulus Hook. 
Bring him alive, that lie may suffer in the 
presence of the army; but kill Mm if lie re- 
sists, or escapes after being taken." 

Detaining tlie Cornet a few minutes long- 
er in advising him what course to pursue — 
uro-ino; him to take care of the horse and ac- 
coutrements, if recovered, and enjoining him 
to be on his guard, lest he might, by his 
eager pursuit, impro violently fall into the 
hands of the enemy, the Major dismissed 
j\Iiddleton, wishing him success. A shower 
of rain fell soon after Champe's de]3arture, 
which enabled the pursuing dragoons to take 
the trail of his horse; knowing, as offi- 
cer and trooper did, the make of their shoes, 



22 champe's adventuee. 



the impression of wliicli wa^ an unerring 
guide.* 

When Middleton de|)arted, it was a few 
minutes past twelve ; so that Champe had 
only tfee start of rather more than an hour — 
by no means as long as was desired. Lee 
became very unhappy, not only because the 
estimable and gallant Champe might be in- 
jured, but lest the enterprise might be delay- 
ed ; and he spent a sleepless night. The pur- 
suing party during the night was, on their 
part, delayed by the necessary halts to ex- 
amine occasionally the road, as the impression 
of the horse's shoes directed their course ; this 
was unfortunately too evident, no other horse 
having passed along the road since the shower. 
When the day broke Middleton was no long- 
er forced to halt, and he pressed on with 
rapidity. Ascending an eminence before he 
reached the Three Pigeons, some miles on the 

* The horses being all shod by our own farriers, the shoes 
were made in the same form ; which, with a private mark an- 
nexed to the fore-shoes, and known to the troopers, pointed out 
the trail of our dragoons to each other, which was often very 
useful. 



champe's adventuee. 23 

north of the village of Bergen, as the pursuing 
party reached its summit, Champe was de- 
scried not more than half a mile in front. 
Kesembling an Indian in vigilance, the Ser- 
geant at the same moment discovered the 
party, whose object he was no stranger "to, 
and giving spur to his horse, he determined 
to outstri]^ his pursuers. Middleton at the 
same instant put his horses to the top of their 
speed ; and being, as the legion all were, well 
accjuainted with the country, he recollected 
a short route through the woods to the bridge 
below Bergen, which diverged from the great 
road just after you gain the Three Pigeons. 
Beaching the point of separation, he halted, 
and dividing his party, directed a sergeant 
with a few dragoons to take the near cut, 
and • possess with all possible despatch the 
bridge, while he with the residue followed 
Champe, not^doubting but that Champe must 
deliver himself up, as he would be closed be- 
tween himself and his sergeant. Champe did 
not forget the short cut, and would have taken 
it himself, but he knew it was the usual route 
of our parties when returning in the day from 



24 champe's adventure. 

tlie neigliborliood of tlie enemy, properly pre- 
ferring tlie woods to tlie road. He conse- 
quently avoided it ; and persuaded tli^^t Mid- 
dleton would avail himself of it, wisely 
resolved to relinquisli his intention of getting 
to Paulus Hook, and to seek refuo^e from two 
British galleys lying a few miles to the west 
of Bergen. 

This was a station always occupied by 
one or two galleys, and which it was known 
now lay there. Entering the village of Ber- 
gen, Cham]3e turned to his right, and dis- 
sruisins: his chano:e of course as much as he 
could by taking the beaten streets, turning 
as they turned, he passed through the village 
and took the road toward Elizabethtown 
Point. Middleton's sergeant gained the bridge, 
where he concealed himself, ready to pounce 
upon Champe when he came up ; and Middle- 
ton, pursuing his course through Bergen, soon 
got also to the bridge, when, to his extreme 
mortification, he found that the Sergeant had 
slipped through his fingers. Beturning up 
tlie road, he inquired of the villagers of Ber- 
o-en, wdiether a drao:oon had been seen that 



champe's adventure. 25 

morning aliead of liis party. He was answer- 
ed in tlie affirmative, but could learn nothing 
satisfactorily as to tlie route he took. Wliile 
engaged in inquiries himself, he spread his 
party through the village to strike the trail 
of Chanij)e's horse, a resort always recurred 
to. Some of his dragoons hit it just as the 
Sergeant, leaving the village, got in the road 
to the Point. Pursuit was renewed with 
vigor, and again Champe was descried. He, 
apprehending the event, had prepared himself 
for it, by lashing his valise (containing his 
clothes and orderly book) on his shoulders, 
and holding his drawn sword in his hand, 
liaving thrown away the scabbard. This he 
did to save what was indispensable to him, 
and to prevent any interruption to his swim- 
ming, should Middleton, as he presumed, when 
disappointed at the bridge, take the measures 
adopted by him. The pursuit was rapid and 
close, as the stop occasioned by the Sergeant's 
preparations for swimming had brought Mid- 
dleton within two or three hundred yards. 
As soon as Champe got abreast of the two 
galleys, he dismounted, and running through 



26 . champe's adventure. 

tlie marsli to tlie river, plunged into it, calling 
upon tlie galleys for help. Tliis was readily 
given ; tliey fired upon our liorse, and sent a' 
boat to meet Cliampe, who was taken in and 
carried on board, and conveyed to New- York 
with a letter'*' from the captain of the galley, 
stating the circumstances he had seen. 

The horse with his equijmients, the Ser- 
geant's cloak and scabbard, were recovered ; 
the sword itself, being held by Chanipe until 
he plunged into the river, was lost, as Middle- 
ton found it necessary to retire without search- 
in a for it. 

About three o'clock in the evening our 
party returned, and the soldiers seeing the 
well-known horse in our possession, made 
the ail" resound with exclamations that the 
scoundrel was killed. 

Major Lee, called by this heart-rending an- 
nunciation from his tent, saw the Sergeant's 
horse led by one of Middleton's dragoons, and 
began to reproach himself with the blood of 
the high prized, faithful, and intrepid Champe. 
Stilling his agony, he advanced to meet Mid- 
dleton, and became somewhat relieved as 



chamfe's adventure. 27 

soon as lie got near enougli to discern tlie 
countenance of Ms officer and party. There 
was evidence in their looks .of disa]3|)oint- 
ment, and lie was qnickly relieved by Mid- 
dleton's information that the Sergeant had 
effected his escape with the loss of his horse, 
and narrated the particulars just recited. 

Lee's joy was now as full as, the moment 
before, his torture had been excruciating:. 
Never was a happier conclusion. The Ser- 
geant escaped unhurt, carrying with him. to 
the enemy undeniable testimony of the sin- 
cerity of his desertion — cancelling every ap- 
j)rehension before entertained, lest the enemy 
might suspect him of being what he really 
v/as. 

Major Lee imparted to the Commander-in- 
Chief the occurrence, who was sensibly affect- 
ed by the hair-breadth escape of Champe, 
and anticipated with pleasure the good effect 
sure to follow the enemy's knowledge of its 
manner. 

On the fourth day after Champe's depart- 
ure, Lee received a letter from him, written 
the day before in a disguised hand, without any 



28 CHAMPES ADVENTURE. 

signature, and stating wliat liad passed after 
lie got on board tlie galley, where lie was 
kindly received. 

He was carried to the Commandant of 'Ne^Y- 
York as soon as lie arrived, and presented 
tlie letter addressed to tliis officer from the 
captain of the galley. Being asked to what 
corps he belonged, and a few other common 
questions, he was sent under care of an or- 
derly sergeant to the Adjutant- General, who, 
finding that he was sergeant-major of the 
legion of hor^, heretofore remarkable for 
their fidelity, began to interrogate him. He 
was told by Champe, that such was the spirit 
of defection which prevailed among the Am- 
erican trooj)s in consequence of Arnold's ex- 
ample, that he had no doubt, if the temper 
was properly cherished, "Washington's ranks 
would not . only be greaj;ly thinned, but that 
some of his best corps would leave him. To 
this conclusion, the Sergeant said,"he was led 
by his own observations, and especially by 
his knoAvledge of the discontents which agi- 
tated the corps to which he had belonged. 
His size, place of birth, form, countenance, 



champe's adventuke. 29 

hair, tlie corps in whicL. lie liacT served, witli 
otlier remarks in conformity to tlie British 
usage, was noted down. After this was 
finished, he was sent to the Commander-in- 
Chief, in charge of one of the staff, with a 
letter from the Adjutant-General. Sir Henry 
Clinton treated him very kindly, and de- 
tained him more than one hour, asking him 
many questions, all leading — first, to kno^v 
to what extent this spirit of .defection might 
be pushed by proper incitements — what the 
most operating incitements — wljether any gen- 
eral officers were suspected by Washington 
as concerned in Arnold's conspiracy, or any 
other officers of note — who they were, and 
whether the troops approved or ' censured 
Washington's suspicions — whether his po])- 
ularity in the army was sinking, or continued 
stationary. What was Major Andre's situa- 
tion — whether any change had taken place, 
in the manner of his confinement— what was 
the current opinion of his probable fiite — and 
whether it was thouo^ht Washino^ton would 
treat him as a spy. To these various inter- 
rogations, some of which were perplexing, 



80 - ciiampe's adventure. 

Cliampe answered warily ; exciting, nevertlie- 
lesSj hopes tliat tlie adoption of proper mea- 
sures to encourage desertion (of wliicli he 
could not pretend to form an opinion) would 
certainly biing off hundreds of the American 
soldiers, including some of the best troops, 
horse as well as foot. Respecting the fate of 
Andre, he said he was ignorant, though there 
appeared to be a general wish in the army 
that his life should not be taken ; and that 
he believed it ^vould depend more upon the 
disposition of Congress, than on the will of ' 
Washington. 

After this long conversation ended. Sir 
Henry presented Champe with a coujDle of 
guineas, and recommended him to wait upon 
General Arnold, who was engaged in raising 
an American legion in the service of his majes- 
ty. He directed one of his aids to write to 
Arnold by Champe, stating who he was, and 
what he had said about the disposition in 
the army to follow his example ; which being 
soon done, the letter was given to the or- 
derly attending on Cliampe to be presented 
with the deserter to General Arnold. Arnold 



champe's adventure. 81 

expressed mucli satisfaction on hearing from 
Champe tlie manner of liis escape, and the 
effect of Arnold's example ; and concluded 
his numerous inquiries by assigning qu*arters 
to the Sergeant — the same as were occupied 
by his recruiting sergeants. 

He also proposed to Champe to join his 
legion, telling, him he would give him the 
same station he had held in the rebel service, 
and promising further advancement xhen 
merited. Expressing his wish to retire from 
war, and his conviction of the certainty of his 
hieing hung if ever taken by the rebels, he 
begged to be excused from enlistment ; as- 
suring the Greneral, that should he change his 
mind, he would certainly accept his offer. 
Eetiring to his quarters, Champe now turned 
liis attention to the delivery of his letters, 
which he could not effect until the next night, 
and then only to one of the two incogniti 
to whom he was recommended. This man 
received the Sergeant with extreme attention, 
and having read the letter, assured Champe 
that he might rely on his faithful cooperation 
in every thing in his power consistent with 



32 champe's adventuke. 

Ms safety, to guard wliicli required tlie utmost 
prudence and circumspection. The sole ob- 
ject in wliicli the aid of this individual was 
required, regarded the general and others of 
our army, implicated in the information sent 
to Washington by him. To this object 
Champe urged his attention, assuring him 
of the solicitude it had excited, and telling 
him that its speedy investigation had induced 
the General to send him to New- York. 

Promising to enter upon it with zeal, and 
engaging to send out Champe's letters to Major 
Lee, lie fixed the time and place for their next 
meeting, when they sej)arated. 

Lee made known to the Greneral what had 
been transmitted to him by Champe, and 
received in answer directions to press Champe 
to the expeditious conclusion of his mission, 
as the fate of Andre would be soon decided, 
when little or no delay could be admitted 
in executins: whatever sentence the court 
might decree. The same messenger who 
brought Champe's letter, returned with the 
ordered communication. Five days had near- 
ly elapsed after reaching New- York, before 



champe's adventure. 83 

Champe saw tlie confidant to whom only the 
attempt against Arnold was to be intrusted. 
This person entered with promptitude into 
the design, promising his cordial assistance. 
To procure a proper associate for Champe 
was the first object, and this he promised to 
do with all possible despatch. Furnishing 
a conveyance to Lee, we again heard from 
Champe, who stated what I have related, with 
the additional intelligence that he had that 
morning (the last of September) been ap- 
pointed one of Arnold's recruiting sergeants, 
having enlisted the day before with Arnold, 
and that he was induced to take this afflicting 
step, for the purpose of securing uninterrupt- 
ed ingress and egress to the house which 
the General occupied, it being indispensable 
to a speedy conclusion of the difficult enter- 
prise which the information he had just re- 
ceived had so forcibly urged. He added, 
that the difficulties in his way were numerous 
and stubborn, and that his prospect of suc- 
cess was by no means cheering. With respect 
to the additional treason, he asserted that he 
had every reason to believe that it was 



34 champe's adventuee. 

grounclless ; that tlie report took its rise in 
tlie enemy's camp, and that he hoped soon 
to clear up that matter satisfactorily. The 
pleasure which the last part of this communi- 
cation afforded was damped by the tidings 
it imj)arted respecting Arnold, as on his 
speedy delivery depended Andre's relief. The 
interposition of Sir Henry Clinton, who was 
extremely anxious to save his aid-de-camp, still 
continued ; and it was expected the examina- 
tion of witnesses and the defence of the pris- 
oner, would protract the decision of the court 
of inquiry, now assembled, and give sufficient 
time for the consummation of the project 
committed to Champe. A complete disap- 
pointment took place from a quarter unfore- 
seen and unexpected. The honorable and 
accomplished Andre, knowing his guilt, dis- 
dained defence, and prevented the examina- 
tion of witnesses by confessing the character 
in which he stood. On the next day (the 
second of October) the court again assem- 
bled ; when every doubt that could possibly 
arise in the case having been removed by 
the previous confession, Andre was de- 



champe's adventure. , 35 

dared to be a spy, and condemned to suffer 
accordingly. 

The sentence was executed on tlie subse- 
quent day in tlie usual form, tlie Commander- 
in-Chief deeming it improper to interpose any 
delay. In this decision he was warranted 
by the very unpromising intelligence received 
from Champe, by the still existing implica- 
tion of other officers in Arnold's conspiracy, 
by a due regard to public opinion, and by 
real tenderness to the condemned. 

Neither Congress nor the nation could have 
been with propriety informed of the cause 
of the delay, and without such information 
it must have excited in both alarm and sus- 
picion. Andre himself could not have been 
intrusted with the secret, and would conse- 
quently have attributed the unlooked-for 
event to the expostulation and exertion of 
Sir Henry Clinton, which would not fail to 
produce in his breast expectations of ultimate 
relief; to excite which would have been cruel, 
as the realization of such expectation de^Dend- 
ed upon a possible but improbable contin- 
gency. The fate of Andre, hastened by 



36 champe's adventure. 

himself, deprived tile enterprise committed 
to Cliampe of a feature wliich had been 
highly prized by its projector, and which had 
very much engaged the heart of the indi- 
vidual chosen to execute it. 

Washington ordered Major Lee to communi- 
cate what had passed to the Sergeant, with 
directions to encourage him to prosecute with 
unrelaxed vigor the remaining objects of his 
instructions, but to intermit haste in the ex- 
ecution only as far as was compatible with 
final success. 

This was accordingly done by the first op- 
portunity. Champe deplored the sad neces- 
sity which had occurred, and candidly con- 
fessed that the hope of enabling Washington 
to save the life of Andre, (who had been the 
subject of universal commiseration in the 
American camp,) greatly contributed to re- 
move the serious difficulties which opposed 
his acceding to the proposition when first pro- 
pounded. Some documents accompanied this 
communication, tending to prove the innocence 
of the accused general ; they were completely 
satisfactory, and did credit to the discrimina- 



champe's adventuee. - 87 

tion, zeal, and diligence of tlie Sergeant. Lee 
inclosed tliem immediately to the Commander- 
in-Chief, who was pleased to express the satis- 
faction he derived from the information, and 
to order the Major to wait npon him the 
next da J, when the whole subject was re- 
examined, and the distrust heretofore enter- 
tained of the accused was for ever dismissed.* 
ISTothing now remained to be done but the 
seizure and safe delivery of Arnold. To this 
subject Champe gave his undivided attention ; 
and on the nineteenth October, Major Lee 
received from him a very particular account 
of the progress he had made, with the out- 
lines of his plan. This was, without delay, 

* Cojpy of a letter from General Washington to Major Lee, m 
his oion handwriting. 

October 13, 1780. 
Dear Sir : I am very glad your letter, of this date, has given 
strength to my conviction of the innocence of the gentleman who 
was the subject of your inquiry 

I want to see you on a particular piece of business. If the 
day is fair, and nothing of consequence intervenes, I will be at 
the Marquis's quairters by ten o'clock to-morrow. If this should 
not happen, I shall be glad to see you at headquarters. 
I am, dear sir, your obedient servant, 

G. Washington. 



38 champe's adventure. 

submitted to WasMngton, witli a request for a 
few additional guineas. The General's letter,* 

* Goj^y of a letter from General 'Wasliington to Major Lee^ in 
Ms own liandwriting. 

Headquakters, October 30, 1780. 

Dear Sir : The plan proposed for taking A d (the outlines 

of which are communicated in your letter, which was this mo- 
ment put into my hands without date) "has every mark of a good 
one. I therefore agree to the promised rewards ; and have such 
entire confidence in your management of the business, as to give 
it my fullest approbation ; and leave the whole to the guidance 
of your own judgment, with this expressed stipulation and 
pointed injunction, that he (A d) is brought to me alive. 

No circumstance whatever shall obtain my consent to his 
being put to death. The idea which would accompany such an 
event, would be that ruffians had been hired to assassinate him. 
My aim is to make a public example of him ; and this should be 
strongly impressed upon those who are employed to bring him 
off. The Sergeant must be very circumspect — too much zeal 
may create suspicion, and too much precipitancy may defeat 
the project. The most inviolable secrecy must be observed on 
all hands. I send you five guineas ; but I am not satisfied of 
the propriety of the Sergeant's appearing with much specie. 
This circumstance may also lead to suspicion, as it is but too 
well known to the enemy that we do not abound in this article. 

The interviews between the party in and out of the city, 
should be managed with much caution and seeming in- 
difference ; or else the frequency of their meeting, etc., may be, 
tray the design, and involve bad consequences ; but I am per- 
suaded you will place every matter in a proper point of view to 
the conductors of this interesting business, and therefore I shall 
only add, that I am, dear sir, etc., etc., 

G. Washington. 



champe's adventure. 39 

wi^itten on the same day, (twentietli October,) 
evinces liis attention to tlie minutiae of busi- 
ness, as well as his immutable determination 
to possess Arnold alive, or not at all. This 
was his original injunction, which he never 
omitted to enforce upon every proper occa- 
sion. 

Major Lee had an opportunity in the course 
of the week of writing to Cliampe, when he 
told him that the rewards which he had 
promised to his associates would be certainly 
paid on the delivery of Arnold; and in the 
mean time, small sums of money would be 
furnished for casual expenses, it being deemed 
improper that he should appear with much, 
lest it might lead to suspicion and detection. 
That '^ve guineas were now sent, and that 
more would follow when absolutely necessary. 

Ten days elapsed before Champe brought 
his measures to a conclusion, when Lee re- 
ceived from him his final communication, ap- 
pointing the third subsequent night for a 
party of dragoons to meet him at Hoboken, 
when he hoped to deliver Arnold to the offi- 
cer. Champe had, from his enlistment into 



40 champe's adventuke. 

tlie American legion, (Arnold's corps,) every 
opportunity lie could wisli to attend to tlie 
habits of tlie General. He discovered that 
it was his custom to return home about twelve 
every night, and that previous to going to bed 
he always visited the garden. During this 
visit the conspirators were to seize him, and 
being prepared with a gag, intended to have 
applied the same instantly. 

Adjoining the house in which Arnold re- 
sided, and that in which it was designed to 
seize and gag him, Champe had taken out 
several of the palings and replaced them, so 
that with care and without noise he could 
readily o]3en his way to the adjoining alley. 
Into this alley he meant to have conveyed his 
prisoner, aided by his companion, one of two 
associates who had been introduced by the 
friend to whom Champe had been orginally 
made known by letter from the Commander- 
in-Chief, and with whose aid and counsel he 
had so far conducted the enterprise. His 
other associate was with the boat prepared 
at one of the wharves on the Hudson River, 
to receive the party. 



champe's adventuee. 41 

Cliampe and his friend intended to have 
placed themselves each under Arnold's shoulder, 
and to have thus borne him through the most 
unfrequented alleys and streets to the boat, 
representing Arnold, in case of being ques- 
tioned, as a drunken soldier whom they were 
conveying to the guard-house. 

When arrived at the boat the difficulties 
would be all surmounted, there being no 
danger nor obstacle in passing to the Jersey 
shore. These particulars, as soon as known 
to Lee, were communicated to the Commander- 
in-Chief, who was highly gratified with the 
much-desii'ed intelligence. He directed Major 
Lee to meet Cliampe, and to take care that 
Arnold should not be hurt. The day arrived, 
and Lee with a party of dragoons left camp 
late in the evening, with three led horses ; one 
for Arnold, one "for the Sergeant, and the third 
for his associate, never doubting the success 
of the enterprise, from the tenor of the last 
received communication. The party reached 
Iloboken about midnight, where they were 
concealed in 'the adjoining wood — Lee with 
three dragoons stationing himself near the 



42 champe's adventuee. 

I'iver-sliore. Hour after hour passed — ^no boat 
approached. At length the day broke and 
the Major retired to his party, and with his 
led horses returned to camp, when he proceed- 
ed to headquarters to inform the General of 
the disappointment, as mortifying as inexplica- 
ble. Washington having perused Champe's 
plan and communication, had indulged the 
presumption that at length the object of 
his keen and constant pursuit was sure of ex- 
ecution, and did not dissemble the joy such 
conviction jD^'oduced. He was chagrined at 
the issue, and apprehended that his faithful 
Sergeant must have been detected in the last 
scene of his tedious and difficult enterprise. 
In a few days, Lee received an anonymous 
letter from Champe's patron and friend, in- 
forming him that on the day previous to the 
night fixed for the execution of the plot, 
Arnold had removed his quarters to another 
part of the town, to superintend the embarka- 
tion of troops, preparing (as was rumored) for 
an expedition to be directed by himself; and * 
that the American legion, consisting cliiefiy of 
deserters, had l)een transferred from their 



champe's adventure. 43 

barracks to one of the transports ; it being ap- 
preliencled that if left on shore until the ex- 
pedition was ready, many of them might de- 
sert. Thus it happened that John Champe, 
instead of crossing the Hudson that night, 
was safely deposited on board one of the fleet 
of transports, from whence he never departed 
until the troops under Arnold landed in Vir- 
ginia! l^ov was he able to escape from the 
British army until after the junction of Lord 
Cornwallis at Petersburgh, when he deserted ; 
and proceeding high up into Virginia, he passed 
into North-Carolina near the Saura towns, and 
keeping in the friendly districts of that State, 
safely joined the army soon after it had passed 
the Congaree in pursuit of Lord Rawdon. 

His appearance excited extreme surprise 
among his former comrades, which was not 
a little increased 'when they saw the cordial 
reception he met with from Lieutenant- Colonel 
Lee. His whole story soon became known to 
the corps, which reproduced the love and re- 
spect of officer and soldier, heightened by uni- 
versal admiration of his daring and arduous 
attempt. 



44 champe's advexture. 

Cliampe was introduced to General Greene, 
wlio clieerfully complied witli tlie promises 
made by tlie Commander-in-Chief, as far as in 
his power ; and having 23rovided the Sergeant 
with a good horse and money for his journey, 
sent him to General Washington, who munifi- 
cently anticipated every desire of the Sergeant, 
and presented him wdth a discharge from fur- 
ther service,^^* lest he might in the vicissitudes 
of war, fall into the enemy's hands, when if 
recognized, he was sure to die on a gibbet. 

* When General Washington was called by President Adams 
to the command of the army prepared to defend the country 
from French hostility, he sent to Lieutenant-Colonel Lee to in- 
quire for Champe, being determined to bring him into the field 
at the head of a company of infantry. 

Lee sent to Loudon County, where Champe settled after his 
discharge from the army, and learned that the gallant soldier had- 
removed to Kentucky, and had soon after died. 



champe's adventure. 4:5 

SERGEANT CHAMPE. 

A BALLAD OF THE REVOLUTION. 



Come, sheathe your swords ! my gallant boys, 

And Hsten to the story, 
• How Sergeant Champe, one gloomy night, 

Set off to catch the tory. 

You see the General had got mad, 

To think his plans were thwarted, 

And swore by all, both good and bad, 
That Arnold should be carted. 

So unto Lee he sent a line. 

And told him all his sorrow, 
And said that he must start the hunt. 

Before the coming morrow. 

Lee found a sergeant in his camp. 

Made up of bone and muscle^ 
"Who ne'er knew fear, and many a year 

With tories had a tussle. 

Bold Champe, when mounted on old Rip, 
All buttoned up from weather, 

Sang out "good-by !" cracked off his whip, 
And soon was in the heather. 

He galloped on toward Paulus Hook, 

Improving every instant — 
Until a patrol, wide awake. 

Descried him in the distance. 

On coming up, the guard called out, 
And asked him where he's going — 



46 champe's adventure. 

To which he answered with his spur, 
And left him in the mowing. 

The hushes passed him Hke the wind, 
And pebbles flew asunder. 

The guard was left far, far behind, 
All mixed with mud and wonder. 

Lee's troops paraded, all alive, 

Although 'twas one the morning. 

And counting o'er a dozen or more. 
One sergeant is found wanting. 

A little hero, full of spunk. 

But not so full of judgment. 

Pressed Major Lee to let him go. 

With the bravest of his reg'ment. 

Lee summoned Cornet Middleton, 
Expressed what was urgent, 

And gave him orders how to go 

To catch the rambling Sergreant. 



< 



Then forty troopers, more or less, 
Set off across the meader ; 

'Bout thirty-nine went jogging on 
A-following their leader. 

At early morn adown a hill 

They saw the Sergeant sliding ; 

So fast he went, it was not ken't, 
Whether he's rode, or riding. 

None looked back, but on they spurred, 

A-gaining every minute. 
To see them go, 'twould done you good, 

You'd thought old Satan in it. 



champe's adventure. 47 

The Sergeant missed 'em, by good luck, 

And took another tracing, 
He turned his horse from Paulus Hook, 

Elizabethtown facing. 

It was the custom of Sir Hal 

To send his galleys cruising, 
And so it happened just then, 

That two were at Van Deusen's. 

Straight unto these the Sergeant went, 

And left old Rip, all standing, 
A-waiting for the blown cornet, 

At Squire Van Deusen's landing. 

The troopers didn't gallop home, 

But rested from their labors ; 
And some 'tis said took gingerbread 

And cider from the neighbors. 

'Twas just at eve the troopers reached 

The camp they left that moiwing. 
Champe's empty saddle, unto Lee, 

Gave an unwelcome warning. 

" If Champe has suffered, 'tis my fault ;" 

So thought the generous Major : 
" I would not have his garment touched 

For millions on a wager !" 

The Cornet told him all he knew, 

Excepting of the cider. 
The troopers, all, spurred very well, 

But Champe was the best rider ! 

And so it happened that brave Champe 
Unto Sir Hal deserted, 



48 champe's adventure. 

Deceiving him, and you, and me, 
. And into York was flirted. 

He saw base Arnold in his camp, 

Surrounded by the legion, 
And told him of the recent prank. 
That threw him in that region. 

Then Arnold grinned, and rubbed his hands, 
And e'enmost choked with pleasure. 

Not thinking Champe was all the while 
A " taking of his measure." 

" Come now," says he, " my bold soldier, 
As you're within our borders. 
Let's drink our jBU, old care to kill, 
To-morrow you'll have orders." 

Full soon the British fleet set sail ! 

Say ! wasn't that a pity ? 
For thus it was brave Sergeant Champe 

Was taken from the city. 

To Southern climes the shipping flew, 

And anchored in Virginia, 
When Champe escaped and joined his friends 

Among the picinnini. 

Base Arnold's head, by luck, was saved, 

Poor Andre was gibbeted. 
Arnold's to blame for Andre's fame, 

And Andre's to be pitied. 




Price 15 Cents. 



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READING ON THE RAIL. 



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CHAMPE'S ADYENTURE. 



BY 



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I OFFICE OF THE REBELLION RECORD. % 



1861. 






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